In 2021, Parks & Trails Council partnered with nine friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state and regional parks and trails. See the recap below.
2021 Friends Group Habitat Restoration Grants Recap
2021 by the Numbers
$7,500
$4,360
9
82
8.5
921
Funds granted
Local cash match
Friends Group Partners
Trees and shrubs planted (plus 195 forbs)
Acres of invasive species removed
Volunteer hours
Projects
Friends of Blue Mounds State Park
Planted and protected native trees to replace vulnerable ash trees.
- 6 trees planted
- 14 volunteer hours
- $179 financial match
Learn more about these friends
Friends of Camden State Park
Planted and protected trees to replace vulnerable ash trees.
- 12 trees planted and protected
- 51 volunteer hours
- $646 local cash match
Learn more about these friends
Friends of Chester Woods
Removed invasive buckthorn and planted native woodland species.
- 1.5 acres invasives removed and natives planted
- 195 forbs and 3 shrubs planted
- 329 volunteer hours
- $325 financial match
Learn more about these friends
Chisago County Parks & Trails Foundation
Planted pollinator gardens along the Swedish Immigrant Trail.
- 3 pollinator gardens planted
- 48 volunteers engaged
- 110 volunteer hours
- $1,000 financial match
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Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail Association
Removed invasive buckthorn and overwhelming amur maple at two parts along the trail. Reestablished prairie vegetation on another area of the trail using a mix of native grasses and flowers.
- 4.5 acres seeded
- 30 species of native prairie plants seeded
- 6 acres of invasives removed
- 12 volunteers engaged
- 51 volunteer hours
Learn more about these friends
Glacial Ridge Trail Association
“Buckthorn brigade” pulled buckthorn, 1 tree and 4 shrubs were planted, gravel was spread to smooth out trails, and a drainage ditch was opened to improve water flow.
- 1 acre invasive buckthorn removed
- 37 volunteers engaged (including 13 children)
- 121 volunteer hours
- $2,000 financial match
Learn more about these friends
Lake Louise State Park Association
Planting chokecherry trees in the park campground to replace storm-damaged trees, increase the appeal of the site for prospective campers, and support local pollinator and wildlife populations.
- 25 trees planted
- 25 volunteer hours
- $210 financial match
Friends of Lake Shetek State Park
Planted and protected native oak trees in an effort to restore oak savanna in an area overrun with displaced Chinese Lilac.
- 31 trees planted and protected
- 90 volunteer hours
- 16 volunteers engaged
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Friends of Whitewater State Park
Collect and begin rearing prairie violets to plant in the restored prairie in the Meadow in hopes we will be able to sustain habitat for the threatened Regal Fritillary butterfly.
- 240 volunteer hours
- 12 volunteers engaged
- 1,000+ seeds collected
Learn more about these friends
Thank you and congratulations to the nine friends groups who implemented habitat restoration projects in 2021. Their hard work and dedication for their parks and trails is evident! The land, wildlife, and human visitors truly benefit from their steadfast investment.